I went into hospital for upper eyelid surgery under local anaesthetic. The day before I had to go to the hospital for my pre-ops check, on the phone I was told I could have this done at either 12: 00 or 4: 00. I chose 4: 00 as the person on the phone said goodbye to me she said "we'll see you tomorrow at 4: 00". At 3: 50 I arrived at the hospital after a bit of a wait but not to long I got called in by a nurse who was annoyed at me. To start with I couldn't work out what was wrong and then I figured it out, that they felt I was late (I would never be late for an appointment I fully appreciate how busy the staff are at our hospitals).
From this point on I felt incredibly upset after being told that I should have arrived at 3:30 when I can remember clearly being told and writing down 4: 00. The nurse then rushed through my ops with barely talking to me, I couldn't get out of there quick enough. I then had to see another nurse who talked me through the operation for the next day they were lovely, I explained to them what had happened and they apologised straight away. I asked them to confirm my appointment for the following day and they said it was definitely 8:00am
The next day
Feeling nervous about the operation but mainly just wanting to get it over with I arrived at the hospital at 7: 30. By 8: 00 we were waiting for the doctor. In the meantime I was told there would be a wait as there are 2 operations going on before mine, fair enough I thought. The doctor didn't arrive until 9: 00 and I could hear commotion going on about my appointment time. Next minute I'm being moaned at for being too early, this really upset me after all I was merely doing what a nurse had asked me to do. By now I felt completely deflated and just wanted to go home more then anything. My husband and I headed for the café area where we were told we could stay until around 10: 30. I have to say I was just in tears by now and just wanted this whole thing to be over with. At 12: 00 I had the operation.
The operation itself went really well no problems nearly all of the nursing staff were lovely and helpful. Its a shame that appointment times seem to be an issue here. At the end of the day I just needed to be told (I'm really sorry you are going to have to wait awhile) and I would have been fine with that, but to be snapped at when someone is already feeling worried and concerned is completely uncalled for.
I really hope I don't need any operations for a long, long time.
"Very poor communication"
About: Croydon University Hospital / General surgery Croydon University Hospital General surgery CR7 7YE Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust London EC1V 2PD
Posted by nemowish (as ),
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